Because Lutherans believe in peace. Peace happens when everyone treats each other, themselves, and the world kindly. The Advent season reminds us that from the manger, Jesus came to bring peace. When he was born, the angels proclaimed, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom God favors!" Another way of saying that is, "Let there be peace among God's children!" God wants everyone to have the food they need. When people have what they need, they are likely to have peace. Join us this Advent. There is a place at the table for you. We are better together.

Please join us Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

In-person, online on YouTube, and on radio KWED AM 1580.

Advent Midweek Service: From the Manger

Wednesdays, December 4, 11 and 18

6:00 p.m. in the Women’s Ministry Room

We will begin with a shared meal followed by a time of devotion as we prepare for the coming of Christmas. Our From the Manger series draws from the many connections to food and meals throughout the story of God. Did you know Jesus was born in a town called, "House of Bread"? God knew feeding people was much more than the food on our plates - Jesus came to fill our bellies and our hearts. Join us this Advent. We have a place at the table for you.

The Congregation Care team is organizing meals in conjunction with the services. Soup and sandwiches are still needed for December 11 and 18. Sign-up sheets for food and serving help are in the narthex after the Sunday services. Thank you for your participation.

Because Lutherans love to celebrate. What a busy weekend it was as we ushered in the season! HUGE thank you to our decorating elves for decking the halls on Saturday and transforming our gorgeous sanctuary from delightful fall colors to deep Advent blues. The Education Team got crafty on Sunday morning helping folk create Advent wreaths for their homes and learn more about the "coming days". The inaugural Lutheran Lunch Bunch gathered after worship (and a FIRE DRILL?!?!?!) for an amazing time of great food, countless stories, and tons of laughter. But why stop the fun there? Our first Sunday of Advent concluded under the musical leadership of our Compass Cooperative Youth Ministry program director Hanna, and assisted by Jordana, Vicar Rudy, and Donna, as carolers sang with residents of Argent Court and Seguin Assisted living. Youth, church members, and pastors from all of our cooperative churches came together to make the day extra special. Thank you all for sharing your gifts and talents! See more pics here. We are better together.

JOY TO THE WORLD!

Pastor Marcus Shares:

Thank you to all of our incredible Day School teachers and students for making so many decorations for Emanuel's Holiday Sip and Stroll tree! Thank you Dave E. for tree transportation! And thank you Tori and Michelle for bringing it all together late into the evening! We have, hands down, the best tree on the square. “Joy to the World” is our theme and our tree is located on the River Street side of the square, the second tree down the sidewalk from the Courthouse.

CHURCH DIRECTORIES ARE HERE!

Pick up your fabulous new photo directory on Sunday morning in the narthex. Shout out to Sheila E. and Sharon K. for keeping up with the project from the beginning to the end. They are pictured here adding labels on Thursday morning to aid in distribution. Pick up will also be available in the church office during the week. Thanks to everyone for your patience. We love seeing your smiling faces and are thrilled to have this valuable tool available to further connect our Emanuel's family!

3C (Community-Connection-Conversation) is a time of gathering on the church lawn from 7:30 - 8:30 in the mornings. Bring a chair and join us as we share in fellowship, invite new faces to sit and share their stories, and welcome visitors who pass us on the street. Our format is open, very fluid, and provides a place to share, visit, and grow together as a community of faith.

We are excited to again host The Seguin Police Department 2024 Blue Santa gift wrapping in our Fellowship Hall every Tuesday and Thursday between December 3 – December 19 from 4-8pm. Toys and gifts are collected throughout the city in November/December and will be wrapped by volunteers before being distributed to children in need by Christmas morning. Your assistance as a campus volunteer will help make the evenings run smoother and provide a cheery welcome to visitors. Sign-up sheets are in the Narthex. Outreach and Service Team member Sarah Kennedy (281) 734-3845 can answer any questions. 

This year Emanuel's is serving two days as Salvation Army Bell Ringers! We’ll be at Walmart on Monday, December 9 from 9am – 5pm AND Saturday, December 21 from Noon - 9pm. Sign-up sheets are in the Narthex. Come spread cheer and good will with us while raising funds to support our community! Fran (830-379-5041) can answer your questions. 

The Emanuel's sanctuary will be filled with beautiful poinsettias at Christmas. You may donate poinsettias as you rejoice the season, or in memory or honor of loved ones. Plants may be taken home following the 7pm Christmas Eve service. Return forms and payment to an offering basket or the church office by December 16. Each poinsettia is $15.

ELCA Good Gifts grow the church, fight hunger, and transform lives across the globe. Visit our giving trees in the narthex, chapel, and office to select a gift for a friend or loved one. It is easy to tell them about it with the clever greeting cards available. Forms an payment due by December 16 for inclusion in the Christmas Eve bulletins.

TLU VESPERS SERVICE

When All is Still is presented by the TLU School of Music on December 6, 7, and 8 in Jackson Auditorium. This holiday tradition lifts hearts and spirits with peace, harmony, and hope. Tickets are free but required. www.tlu.edu/news/when-all-is-still-christmas-vespers-2024 

Pathways to Healing support group reflects on the journey through grief while learning to navigate life with loss. Emanuel’s Bereavement Ministry is combining elements of both the Healing Through Conversation and Journeying Through Grief programs into a new format meeting the 2nd Sunday of every month starting on Sunday, December 8 at 2pm in the Family Life Center. Each gathering will highlight a different topic and invite open sharing in a safe and supportive environment. Donna Simmons, Emanuel’s Bereavement Care Coordinator, donna@elcseguin.org 

The birth of Jesus is narrated at the beginning of the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke, but is not mentioned in Mark, and alluded to very differently in John. Although the story may seem familiar, a close analysis shows that there are significant differences between the accounts, with little in common between them. Join us during Advent as we rediscover the powerful birth narratives in the Gospels.

This service is a time of reflection, prayer, and music, drawing attention to the reality that while Christmas is a joyful time we also know it can and does bring many griefs. We invite you to share a time of worship and reflection acknowledging our griefs and losses, taking seriously those feelings and hurts, while also hearing words of hope shared in community. 

CHILDREN & YOUTH EDUCATION

During worship Children’s Ministry Coordinator Jordana leads our PK to 5th grade learners to the Children’s Church room, just down the hall from the sanctuary, as we begin the "Gathering Hymn" and then return as we "Share the Peace."  

The Compass Cooperative is a weekly gathering for youth, hosted by our four church partners - Emanuel's, St. Andrew's, Spirit of Joy, and Friedens Church- and held on Spirit of Joy's campus. Our new rotations start Sunday, August 18 with:

• Middle School Compass (6th to 8th grade) from 4-5pm
• Dinner for everyone at 5pm
• High School Compass (9th to 12th grade) from 5:30-6:30pm

Confirmation Classes for our 6th to 8th graders meet on the 4th Sunday of every month after worship in the Women’s Ministry Room on Level 1. Pastor Marcus is available to answer any questions about our new schedule and curriculum focus. 

SUNDAY ADULT CLASSES

THE HERITAGE CLASS meets at 9:15 am Sunday mornings on Level 3 in room 307. Participants explore the deeper meaning found in the Bible and seek to unlock its wisdom through fellowship and robust group discussion. The aim is to make the Bible relevant and applicable to daily life. 

THE JOY CLASS: Bible stories and songs for adults with intellectual disabilities at 9am on Sunday mornings. Upcoming dates are November 10 in Room 204 and December 8 in the Women's Ministry Room.

“THE BIRTH OF JESUS IN THE GOSPELS” adult class meets in the Family Life Center at 9am on Sundays, December 8 and 15. The birth of Jesus is narrated at the beginning of the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke, but is not mentioned in Mark, and alluded to very differently in John. Although the story may seem familiar, a close analysis shows that there are significant differences between the accounts, with little in common between them. Join us during Advent as we rediscover the powerful birth narratives in the Gospels.

Online giving is safe, simple, and quick to do through our giving link. One time or recurring donations can be indicated. You can still mail in your offering to the Church by sending a check to: Emanuel's Lutheran Church, 206 N. Travis Street. Seguin, Texas 78155

Year to Date Giving comparison:

Jan 1 - Dec 3, 2024

 Church Offering Receipts: $ 357,279.02

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 383,763.41

Operating Expenses: $ 459,999.20 *

* These figures do not include Forward In Faith remodel expenses or In-Kind Gifts

Jan 1- Dec 3, 2023

Church Offering Receipts: $ 379,397.39

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 369,892.44

Operating Expenses: $  405,583.91  *

* These figures do not include Forward In Faith remodel expenses or In-Kind Gifts

Emanuel's office hours are Monday - Thursday from 8-5. However, if the office is understaffed, you may find the answering machine catching your call or a "Gone Fishing" sign on the door. Please know that we will get back with you as soon as possible. We encourage you to call before stopping by. Everyone is also accessible via email.